Farm jack or trolley

Rorie · Aug 7, 2014

My disco has a 2" lift, so the axel is about 400 or 500mm off the ground.

I have seen some high lift trolley jacks, but they seem to be really expensive.

If i want to raise the disco up a bit more for maintenance, would i be best paying for a high lift trolley to get it onto high axle stands, or would a farm jack be better?

If a farm jack will do the job, how would i lift it to get it onto the stands? I.e. the farm jacks normally only lift corners, rather than the middle of the car?

Finally, given correctly rated axle stands, is it safe enough to put the whole car up on 4 of them? I could have the car raised a fair bit if with stands which extend to 650 to 700mm!

Cheers

CalumM · Aug 7, 2014

I use a hi lift to get my 2a onto stands. I lift from the bumper/crossmember and the leafs are pretty stiff so the axle doesn't stay on the ground long. Doubt it would work with coils as they have loads of travel in them. I don't think you'd be able to lift the middle of it with one.

Some people just put them on 4 stands but I am always so worried of it falling off I roll big bits of tree trunk under the bumper and crossmember just in case.

FlatbedPilot · Aug 7, 2014

I use two farm jacks to lift evenly whether it's the front, back or one side. Still cheaper than buying one high lift trolley jack.

Jam1 · Aug 7, 2014

DefenderPilot said:
I use two farm jacks to lift evenly whether it's the front, back or one side. Still cheaper than buying one high lift trolley jack.

Scary picture that! I'm presuming you stick it on stands as well?

Rorie · Aug 7, 2014

Two farm jacks….. never thought of that.

Thanks

Chr1s · Aug 7, 2014

DefenderPilot said:
I use two farm jacks to lift evenly whether it's the front, back or one side. Still cheaper than buying one high lift trolley jack.

Good lord! I hope you didn't work on it like that??

Definitely a trolley jack and axle stands for safety and stability!

FlatbedPilot · Aug 7, 2014

No, I stuck it on axle stands just after that. Just thought it looked cool like that.

Chr1s · Aug 7, 2014

DefenderPilot said:
No, I stuck it on axle stands just after that. Just thought it looked cool like that.

Good man! I don't think I'd have been brave enough to even lift it like that, never mind walking away to take a photo

FlatbedPilot · Aug 7, 2014

I tried pushing it from the side before I put the axle stands under just in case. It took a fair amount of effort to move it and it seemed pretty stable. Totally agree with the safety implications of working under a suspended or jacked load - don't do it kiddies.

Chr1s · Aug 7, 2014

DefenderPilot said:
I tried pushing it from the side before I put the axle stands under just in case. It took a fair amount of effort to move it and it seemed pretty stable.

You pushed it?! You're a madman!

Still, I suppose it would have made an interesting photo either way.

Rorie · Aug 7, 2014

So…. from the replies, am i right in saying lifting with two farm jacks isn't the greatest of ideas? Or is it ok provided its on stands?

Any suggestions on which farm jacks and which high stands? I'm looking at the usual places just now but recommendations appreciated

Chr1s · Aug 7, 2014

Rorie said:
So. from the replies, am i right in saying lifting with two farm jacks isn't the greatest of ideas? Or is it ok provided its on stands?

Any suggestions on which farm jacks and which high stands? I'm looking at the usual places just now but recommendations appreciated

I have one of these:

Sealey 1025HL 2.25tonne High Lift Super Rocket Lift Trolley Jack - Auto - Vehicle Products, Garage Equipment, Trolley Jacks

And these:

Clarke CAX6TBC 6 Ton Axle Stands (Pair) - Auto - Vehicle Products, Garage Equipment, Axle Stands

Both reasonably inexpensive and surprisingly good quality.

Rorie · Aug 7, 2014

Thanks for the link. They won't be much use to me though with my 2" lift :/

Should i avoid lifting with two farm jacks, or is it ok provided i use stands once its up?

FlatbedPilot · Aug 7, 2014

I have no problems lifting mine like this but then I do have the benefit of a nice flat floor to lift on. I wouldn't recommend it on sloping or uneven ground.

the_wolf · Aug 7, 2014

Rorie said:
Thanks for the link. They won't be much use to me though with my 2" lift :/

Should i avoid lifting with two farm jacks, or is it ok provided i use stands once its up?

I had a 2 inch lift and I coped perfectly fine with a normal trolley jack. Personally I wouldn't use two farm jacks as that's dodgy as fook but each to their own. Just don't come crying to us when it collapses

timtheenchanteruk · Aug 7, 2014

Rorie said:
So. from the replies, am i right in saying lifting with two farm jacks isn't the greatest of ideas? Or is it ok provided its on stands?

Any suggestions on which farm jacks and which high stands? I'm looking at the usual places just now but recommendations appreciated

ANY jack is only for lifing, and should be on stands for working on, farm jacks have a tendancy to be a little unsteady, id be wanting it on a stand asap

Rorie · Aug 7, 2014

DefenderPilot said:
I have no problems lifting mine like this but then I do have the benefit of a nice flat floor to lift on. I wouldn't recommend it on sloping or uneven ground.

I have a driveway of chuckies and a garage which is too low to get the car in!

If anything, i thought the farm jacks would be better on a rougher surface.though obviously not the chuckies!

phil540uk · Aug 7, 2014

A 2" lift doesn't lift the axle higher off the floor, it lifts the chassis off the axles so I don't see why a normal jack would be a problem unless you have massive tyres?

Rorie · Aug 7, 2014

i found this farm jack….much cheaper than anywhere else…..any ideas why?!

48" High Lift Ratchet / Farm Jack

Chr1s · Aug 7, 2014

Rorie said:
Thanks for the link. They won't be much use to me though with my 2" lift :/

Should i avoid lifting with two farm jacks, or is it ok provided i use stands once its up?

Are you sure? I suppose it depends on where you are lifting from, but there is plenty of travel in both for my Defender.

Farm jack or trolley

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